Former Sheriff Lee Baca now faces time in the grey-bar hotel. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media

By Terry Miller

Former top cop in Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is now himself facing the music as a result of his lying to Federal prosecutors. Baca is facing a long prison sentence after being found guilty Wednesday.

The verdict is a real blow to a man (and his team of lawyers ) who in his 15 years as sheriff built himself a powerful reputation which ultimately caught up with his actions behind the scenes of the county jails.

Baca’s doctors say that the 74 year-old suffers from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, now faces the likelihood of time in federal prison.

In all, 10 people — from low-level deputies to Baca and his former second in command — have been convicted or pleaded guilty in the case.

Several other deputies have been found guilty of civil rights violations for beatings they delivered on inmates and visitors in the jails.